Thank you to my colleagues who are here today, and to all of you who are working hard to push back against Fast Track and TPP.

The American people – Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike are speaking loud and clear in opposition to Fast Track and TPP. Everywhere I go in my district I hear from people who are concerned about us adopting trade agreements that encourage American companies to go elsewhere and ship American jobs abroad.

It doesn’t make sense for us to adopt trade agreements that stack the deck against American workers and empower foreign firms that don’t play by our same rules.

Fast Track would reduce Congress’ authority to ensure the safety and security for American workers, and it would pave the way for a continuation of failed policies that led to offshore jobs and an influx of imported products created with incredibly low poverty-wages.

The American manufacturing industry isn’t what it used to be. These policies have helped widen income inequality in our country, and it’s time we do something about it.

American workers deserve better and it is our job to ensure that trade agreements meet the public’s interest and that they’re a good deal for the American people.